Once the groups reach the top, after an expected four-hour trek, they will use a ferrocerium rod and strike it against a rough steel surface to make the sparks that will create the four flames.

The flames will then be placed in miners' lanterns and brought back down on foot before being transferred to London, Cardiff, Belfast and Edinburgh for a day of Paralympic celebration at the end of this week and over the bank holiday weekend.

Inspiration for the climb came from the Olympic torch relay and the massive show of public support for each individual torchbearer and leg of the route, said Scouts spokesman Andrew Thorp.

"Lots of them have said to me that they were so inspired when they saw the Olympic torch relay a few weeks ago and this is just an amazing, amazing opportunity."

He continued: "For the Olympic torch relay there were over 100 Scout volunteer members involved in carrying the flame then.

"It just came out of there really and if there's one thing Scouts are known for it's for lighting flames and having adventures."

Each of the four groups will be made up of between four and six Scouts – all from local communities – as well as mountain guides and leaders.

Bernie Sloan, who lost her sight in her early 20s, will help light the Slieve Donald flame as part of her preparations alongside 15 blind and partially sighted people training to climb Ben Nevis. She said: "I feel so lucky to be included in this once in a lifetime opportunity.

"Climbing Slieve Donard will be a challenge but I can't wait to get to the top for what will be a historic occasion."

Karl Hinett, who will help the Scafell Pike group, sustained multiple injuries in Iraq when he was badly burned in a petrol bomb attack. He has run nearly 100 marathons in two years, raising money for charity each time.

He said: "This is a huge honour. I can't wait to get started up Scafell Pike, it's a beautiful part of our country and the perfect location for this historic occasion."